Ferguson: League is most important

Wednesday 28 January 2009 00:02 BST

Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed the Carling Cup Final will not be the priority for either Manchester United or Tottenham this week.

Ferguson is hungry for more silverware and is keen for the first domestic showpiece of the season to give the world champions their second trophy. However, the Scot's squad will include a number of youngsters, including Darron Gibson and Danny Welbeck, with Ferguson confirming that his team selection will be based on the side he intends to put out at Newcastle on Wednesday.

"We know what our priorities are," said Ferguson. "As always, it is the Premier League and the Champions League. We have a game against Newcastle on Wednesday and that will be reflected in my team on Sunday."

And, although Spurs' troubles are at the other end of the Premier League table, Ferguson expects counterpart Harry Redknapp to have more than half an eye on their midweek encounter with Middlesbrough.

"The Premier League is the only place to be," added Ferguson.

"It is the only thing that matters - Harry Redknapp is well aware of that.

"Apart from the goalkeeper, the other 10 players that started last night will not do so again on Sunday.

"It is to do with how he can manage the next seven days. He has Middlesbrough on Wednesday and there is no doubt what is clear in Harry's mind - survival in the Premier League."

For Ferguson, the final represents a chance to show faith in many of the young players who have steered United to the brink of a third success in the competition. Since United returned from Milan on Wednesday morning, Ferguson has been made aware a number of senior players who wish to be involved.

"Those kids deserve to play, then I will try to wedge in the ones that want to," reflected Ferguson.